The Canadian Soccer Mustache Contest

In honour of Movember, we at Some Canadian Guys are pleased to announce the Canadian Soccer Mustache Contest. Below you’ll find a selection of the very finest facial hair in Canadian soccer history (well, the finest facial hair that can be found in the player photos on the CSA’s website, at least), and a chance to choose your favourite.

Feel free to offer up any other examples of furry footballers – specifically Canadian ones – and write in your own choice if you think we’ve left the best out.

Note: Yes, I know these aren’t all mustaches. I don’t care.

Brian Budd

The Man
Budgie, as he was know, was one of Canada’s most gifted athletes. Though he only suited up for Canada seven times (scoring twice), Budd enjoyed a long career spread across North America, including time with the Vancouver Whitecaps and the Toronto Blizzard. Notably, Budd won three straight World Superstars (a very-70’s televised athletics competition) championships, winning $170,000 and being effectively kicked off the show for being too good.

Budd went on to be an analyst with The Score’s Footy Show, before passing in 2008. (Rest in peace, Budgie.)

The Mane
It’s a peachfuzz bonanza, folks. Fair blond and well-stocked, this is a classic ’70’s young mans mustache, and may well have held the key to Budd’s legendary athleticism.

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Victor Kodelja

The Man
Born in Capua Casserta, Italy, Kodelja is awkwardly defined as a “forward/defender.” Either way, he formed a part of Canada’s unsuccesful World Cup Qualifying team in 1976-77. Plying his trade for the Vancouver Whitecaps (1974). Calgary Boomers (1981) and Toronto Blizzard (1982-83)He earned 10 caps for his adopted country, potting one goal.

The ManeThe double-stache: a healthy growth – which extends boldly beyond the mouth and into cheek territory – defined by the slash of skin in the middle. This ‘stache screams night on the town; watch out, ladies.

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John McGrane

The Man
Born in Glasgow, McGrane moved to Hamilton, Ont., when he was 12. By 1976, McGrane was representing Canada as a defender at the Montreal Olympics and in our World Cup qualifying bid. He would rack up 12 caps internationally, and spread his professional career across North America.

Sam Lenarduzzi

The Man
Hailing from Udine, Italy, Sam is the older brother of current Vancouver Whitecaps president – and Canadian soccer legend – Bob Lenarduzzi. No slouch himself, Sam collected 29 caps for Canada starting in 1968. Sam and Bob made a brotherly pair for the Whitecaps before Sam decamped for the Toronto Blizzard in 1979.

The Mane
The perfect handlebar, this is confidence expressed in facial hair. He’s got a grip on the situation, and he’s not afraid to show it – perfect for a rock-steady defender.

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Jamie Lowery

The Man
This Port Alberni, B.C., suited up for the Vancouver 86ers and eventually the Canadian national team in its failed bit to reach the 1988 Olympics. Lowery nabbed 20 caps and 1 goal from the midfield before his international career came to a close.

The ManeThis is just your standard mustache. Not big enough to be distracting, not so small it looks pathetic. This is the choice for those who want a mustache, but not too much attention, I guess.

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Bruce Wilson

The Man
Vancouver native Wilson was rock in Canada’s back four for a full decade in the 70’s and 80’s. Earning 57 appearances for the nats, Wilson captained Canada’s World Cup Qualifying team in 1976-77 and was one of the legends of Canadian footie to represent us at the World Cup in Mexico in 1986.

Wilson’s talent was big enough to earn a contract offer from Everton in 1975, but – good Canadian boy that he was – he turned it down, staying with the Whitecaps and, eventually, the Toronto Blizzard. A hall-of-famer, Wilson was the only NASL player to be an all-star with two Canadian teams

The Mane
This is a woodsman’s beard, people: thick, bushy and just a bit intimidating. Not too many twinkle-toed forwards would want to see this bad boy coming between them and a cross into the box.